Sick paedophile who abducted and raped girl, 3, in country park is jailed

Graham Medway snatched the unwitting youngster after she ran away from her parents on August 31.

The perverted 62-year-old then subjected the child to a sickening sex attack at Fort Victoria Country Park, near Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

Now the vile monster has been jailed for his crime after previously admitting raping the child during an earlier hearing in October.

Appearing at Newport Crown Court today, Medway was jailed for nine years and will serve a further five-year extension to his licence period.

Detective Chief Inspector Liam Davies, who led the investigation, said: ‘I am so pleased that we have been able to secure justice for the young girl and her family in this case.

‘I want to formally thank them for their brave support as well as the public for their overwhelming response to our appeals. Both have been pivotal in achieving a successful conviction.

‘It is also important to recognise the efforts of staff across the Constabulary who worked around the clock away from their families to ensure we were able to get this dangerous man off our streets.’

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, district commander for the Isle of Wight, said: ‘The officers involved in this awful case worked tirelessly to bring the investigation to the point we have reached today.

‘Stranger assaults of this nature against children are extremely rare, and I hope the community feels reassured that when we receive these sorts of allegations, we will take them seriously and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.’

After sentencing, an NSPCC spokesperson said: ‘This is a deeply disturbing case, in which a very young girl was subjected to a brutal and terrifying ordeal.

‘Medway’s abuse will have had a profound effect on this child and her family, and it is vital they are provided with the full support they need to recover and move on from this.

‘If you suspect a child has been assaulted, you can speak in confidence to NSPCC professionals on our helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected]. If someone is in immediate danger always call 999.’

Hampshire police has also urged those with concerns, who those who have been sexually assaulted, to call 101 or call Childline on 0800 11 11.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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